Freeville Blog

If you’re looking for a fun way to shake off the winter chill, gather your sharpest friends and head over to the Dryden Vets Club on Route 13 for an evening of friendly competition and community spirit. The Dryden Little League is hosting a Trivia Night Fundraiser on Monday, February 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, and everyone is invited to join the excitement.

This isn’t just any trivia night—it’s a chance to show off your knowledge, support local youth sports, and maybe even walk away with some cash. Teams can sign up right at the door, and it’s only $5 per person to play. Whether you’re a seasoned trivia buff or just in it for the laughs, you’ll fit right in.

Here’s the twist that makes the night even more thrilling: Half of all registration fees go directly to the winning team. That means your brainpower could literally pay off. The other half supports Dryden Little League, helping provide equipment, field maintenance, and opportunities for young athletes in our community.

So don’t spend another cold Monday night cooped up at home. Come out, bring your A-game, and enjoy a lively evening with neighbors and friends. You’ll be supporting local ball players and giving yourself a shot at victory—all while having a great time.

For more information, refer to the flyer below or reach out to ball@drydenlittleleague.com.

New York State has been under a state of emergency since Friday due to the extreme cold and the significant winter storm expected to impact our area today. With the heaviest snowfall anticipated over the course of today, we want to check in, offer guidance, and ensure everyone feels supported and prepared.

Please take every precaution as conditions worsen throughout the day. A few important reminders and tips:

• Stay indoors whenever possible. Freezing temperatures and strong winds can create dangerous conditions in minutes.
• Avoid unnecessary travel. Roads may become hazardous quickly and visibility can drop without warning. If you must travel, ensure you pack food, water, and blankets.
• Prepare for potential power disruptions. Keep phones charged, gather flashlights, and have blankets accessible.

Please note that office hours for tomorrow will depend on weather and road conditions. Our priority is the safety of both residents and staff.

Storms like this can be stressful, but our community has always shown resilience and care for one another. Thank you for your patience, your cooperation, and your commitment to staying safe.

Wishing each of you warmth, comfort, and peace as we get through this winter weather together. Stay safe, stay indoors, and take good care of yourselves.

The Freeville Elementary School PTA is excited to invite our community to a delicious night out for a great cause. Join us at Brewer’s Taproom and Kitchen on Friday, January 23rd from 4:00–8:00 PM for an evening that brings together good food, good company, and meaningful support for our school. Brewer’s Taproom and Kitchen is located at 1384 Dryden Road Ithaca, NY 14850.

Brewer’s will generously donate a portion of all sales—including both dine‑in and take‑out orders—to benefit Freeville Elementary School and the PTA. Every meal enjoyed helps fund programs, activities, and resources that directly support our students and teachers.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, grabbing takeout on your way home, or meeting up with friends, your participation makes a real difference.

If you’d like more information, feel free to reach out at freevillepta@gmail.com or visit the Freeville Elementary PTA Facebook page for updates.

Can’t make it to Brewer’s but still want to support the PTA? No problem—just use the QR code on the flyer below to explore additional ways to contribute. Every bit of support helps strengthen our school community.

We hope to see you there for a night of great food and even greater impact.

The Freeville Community Council extends a warm invitation to Village residents, first responders, and public servants to a story-filled community potluck dinner. If you’re involved with the Village, you’re invited! Post office workers, fire fighters, volunteers, please come on out!

The event will take place on Saturday, January 31st from 5:45PM until 7:30PM in the Social Hall of the Freeville Methodist Church. Please bring a dish to share and your own utensils, bowls, and plates if possible. The FCC will provide both hot and cold beverages. Dinner will be served at 6:00PM.

Starting at 7:00PM, attendees are invited to participate in the sharing of “Freeville Stories.” Anyone who is interested will be granted five minutes to share a memory or story about life in Freeville. Think of stories large and small, from just last week or from several years ago! Freeville residents always make a friendly and supportive audience. Don’t want to share? No worries! Get comfortable with a warm beverage and enjoy the tales of Freeville’s past.

If you are interested in sharing a story, please email clerk@freevilleny.org so the clerk can coordinate with FCC president Ryan Maher.

We hope to see you there!

A new year brings fresh energy, new friends, and the perfect chance to nurture your well-being. This January, Yoga for Life with Michelle welcomes you into a slow-flow practice designed to warm the body, calm the mind, and help you step into the new year, or perhaps into a new year’s resolution, feeling grounded and renewed.

Whether you’re brand new to yoga or returning to your mat after some time away, these sessions are designed to welcome you exactly as you are. No experience needed — just bring an open heart, an open mind, and a willingness to move with intention.

Dates:

• Saturday, January 17
• Saturday, January 24
• Saturday, January 31

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Freeville United Methodist Church

Cost:

• $10 per class
• or $25 for all three sessions

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to sign in and settle into your space.

No fancy gear required — just comfortable clothing and a willingness to explore movement with curiosity. Whether you join for one class or all three, you’ll be welcomed with warmth.

Start your year with intention, connection, and a little more ease!

As we welcome a fresh year full of possibility, the Village extends heartfelt thanks for your continued support, trust, and partnership. Our community thrives because of the care, involvement, and neighborly spirit each of you bring to it!

As always, your voice matters. Residents are encouraged to share questions, ideas, and concerns during privilege of the floor portions of monthly Board of Trustees meeting which occur the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00PM in Village Hall. We ask that you notify the clerk at clerk@freevilleny.org if you plan to attend for privilege of the floor so we know to expect you, but this is not mandatory. Your participation guides the decisions that shape our village’s future.

With winter continuing to give us it’s worst, we also want to remind everyone to take advantage of our house call service. If you or someone you know could benefit from such a visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help ensure everyone stays safe and supported.

If you’re looking for more ways to get involved with your local government or want more information about Village proceedings, please feel free to ask questions and continue to monitor the Village website and blog.

Thank you again for being such an engaged and caring community. Wishing you a healthy, joyful, and hopeful New Year!

If you’ve been meaning to add a little more movement, calm, or balance into your week, here’s a reminder that Freeville has a weekly yoga class open to all residents.Yoga for Life meets at the Freeville Methodist Church and offers a welcoming, judgement-free space to stretch, breathe, and move at your own pace. This class has been a part of our community for several years, and it continues to be a steady, accessible option for anyone looking to support their physical and mental well-being close to home.

Yoga for Life focuses on mindful movement designed to improve mobility, strength, and balance. The class is suitable for all experience levels and participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and move in ways that feel right for them. Yoga can help reduce stress, improve posture and circulation, improve physical and mental health, while also giving residents a chance to slow down in the middle of a busy week to reconnect with yourself and community.

Feel free to visit Yoga for Life with Michelle on Facebook for more information. Class schedules are posted there and classes are offered once a week at the Methodist Church. Punch cards are offered to purchase multiple classes, but come try out your first class for free ($10 fee for FUMC may apply)! No pre-registration is required, just arrive a few minutes early!

Michelle hopes to see some more faces of Freeville at Yoga for Life classes in the coming weeks!

Our Village thrives when neighbors step up to get involved! Local government should never feel distant and I can assure you that the processes for getting involved is far from complicated! Right now, there are several ways you can take part, whether you’re looking for a larger commitment to the Village or a monthly volunteering opportunity.

Serving as Mayor or on the Board of Trustees is a meaningful way to help guide our community. You’d have direct say in the passage of Village laws, how we budget, and what projects are approved. The process for running is simple: just stop by the Village Hall to pick up and independent nomination petition and the brief guide that contains deadlines, how to’s, and other useful information for completing the document. You’ll need signatures from 5% of the Village population– that’s only 17 signatures! Once you collect them and submit the petition ahead of the deadline, your name will be on the ballot.

If you don’t want to run for a position, prefer a smaller commitment, but still want to get involved, consider serving on the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). These boards play an important role in shaping how our Village grows residentially and commercially. No petition is required–just an interest in serving and learning!

Getting involved does make a difference! Your input helps shape projects and decisions that affect daily life in Freeville. You can build connections by working alongside neighbors who share your level of care and commitment to our community. You may also find a sense of personal growth as you will gain valuable experience in leadership and civic engagement.

If you’re interested, please feel free to reach out to me via email or phone or stop down at the Village Hall during our open hours. Whether you run for office or join a board, your involvement will help keep our Village strong, welcoming, and moving forward.

The Freeville Fire Department is excited to welcome the community back for their beloved Sunday Pancake Breakfasts. These monthly breakfasts have long been a favorite tradition in the village, offering a hearty meal and a chance to connect with neighbors all while supporting one of the busiest firehouses in Tompkins County! 

The menu consists of much more than just pancakes! Alongside the golden stacks of pancakes, the firehouse is offering eggs, hot chocolate, ham, and other sweet and savory meals and refreshments. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the firehouse or a first-time visitor, we welcome you to join us for food, fellowship, and fun.

Please join us from 7:30-11:30AM on the following dates at 21 Union Street to enjoy a breakfast with the community! You can also refer to the poster below for more information.

Upcoming Dates:

• January 11, 2026
• February 22, 2026
• March 15, 2026
• April 12, 2026

The Planning Board of the Village of Freeville have been working each month to bring updates and revisions to our Land Use and Development Code and Village Comprehensive Plan. As their work continues, we want to include the most up-to-date statistics gathered directly from our residents.

Yosef Al Shoffe, one of the board’s hardworking members, is conducting his own research regarding housing in Freeville. He is looking for Freeville residents to participate in a survey to help the planning board accurately update the housing section of the comprehensive plan and to determine if there are any suggestions for improving village housing.

Feel free to help us gather information by using the link below to be taken directly to the survey.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDLh_-UQKmz8dgixN8wfsbE6OOG4Fo5QpVNphUI0WH1ckckQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109534923809833483441

In the meantime, stay warm and enjoy this wintery weekend!